Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, a Republican, is running for re-election in the November 3, 2026, general election. He will face Democratic candidate Aaron Ford and several unaffiliated candidates.

The primary election for the governor's race was held on June 9, 2026, following a filing deadline of March 13, 2026. Governor Lombardo was first elected in 2022, when he defeated incumbent Steve Sisolak, receiving 49% of the vote compared to Sisolak's 47%.

The Lombardo campaign stated, "Under Governor Lombardo's leadership, Nevada has led the nation in job growth for 11 consecutive months, employment has grown 1.8% year-over-year, we've reached a record 1.6 million jobs, generated over $6 billion in new investment, and created nearly 100,000 jobs."

Aaron Ford, who was first elected Attorney General of Nevada in 2018, criticized the economic record of Governor Lombardo and President Trump. Ford said, "No more failed leadership in Carson City that lets jobs disappear while prices are soaring ... no more to a governor who bends the knee to a president he seeks to please instead of the people he's sworn to protect." Ford's campaign platform includes addressing tariffs that impact housing costs, regulating Wall Street firms in Nevada, and encouraging new construction by improving the permitting process and utilizing vacant land. He also stated he would repeal Nevada's state right-to-work law, saying, "It can be done legislatively. They can send me a bill. And if they send it to me, I'm signing it."

Governor Lombardo defended his actions in office, specifically referencing his use of vetoes. "160 vetoes are nothing to celebrate, because what that means is bad government. I won't hesitate for a second to say no again, though, or to be the last line of defense between you and irresponsible politicians," Lombardo said.

Nevada has a divided government, with a Republican governor and Democratic control of both legislative chambers. Democrats also hold the offices of attorney general and secretary of state in the state. In the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump won Nevada with 51% of the vote, while Kamala Harris received 48%. This marked the first time a Republican won Nevada in a presidential election since George W. Bush in 2004.

Why It Matters

The 2026 Nevada gubernatorial election is one of 36 gubernatorial elections scheduled to take place that year. The outcome will determine whether Nevada continues under a Republican governor, or shifts to Democratic leadership. The state currently features a divided government, and the election could influence the balance of power, particularly given the recent increase in voters not affiliated with major parties and the decline in major party registrations.

The election is taking place against a backdrop of economic concerns within the state, including an unemployment rate that ranks among the highest nationally, and a reported 7.5% reduction in visitors to Las Vegas last year. Candidates are focusing on economic policy, with the incumbent campaign highlighting job growth and investment, while the challenger emphasizes issues such as housing costs and market regulation.